This aloe species is endemic to the Lower Mpushini Valley Conservancy.

 

The plants usually have a short, creeping or semi-erect stem of up to 500mm with about 30 recurved leaves in a dense rosette. Individuals of the species occur as solitary plants. The bright green leaves are up to 700mm long and are densely white-spotted on both surfaces. The spots are rather H-shaped and become confluent in irregular wavy bands, particularly on the lower sides of the leaves. The margins have pinkish-brown prickles. A single, much-branched inflorescence, about 2m high is formed in mature plants. The dark, pinkish flowers are typically constricted in the middle and have a basal swelling. The flowers and peduncle are covered in a conspicuous greyish-white powdery bloom.

 

 

Aloe pruinosa has a localised distribution that is restricted to the valley bushveld region stretching from the Bisley Valley Nature Reserve, the Mpushini Valley to the Natal Lion Park area. Although parts of this area fall within informal conservation areas its continued survival is not guaranteed because urban expansion and industrial development are rapidly encroaching on this area.

 

 

Pruinosa means, “covered in a waxy white powdery bloom”. The Zulu common name is Icena elikhulu. The Afrikaans name is Kleinalwyn or Slangkop.

 

Aloe pruinosa does not form basal suckers and will therefore not colonise a denuded area or garden. It tolerates temperatures down to –4^oC.